FAQ: Building Efficiencies And Clean Air Filtration

by Jennifer (Gray) Geen

In November 2021, the federal government established the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA). Commonly referred to as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and touted as a “once-in-a-generation level of funding,” this bill aims to deliver $1.2 trillion. Although most of the investment is allocated to modernizing our roads, bridges and railways, there is also significant funding to improve indoor spaces, including updating America’s ports, airports, schools and more. In addition, the Department of Energy will receive $63 billion in funding to cover a large swath of rural and tribal energy upgrades to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. It is an opportunity for government entities to fund projects that will make a lasting impact on the health and wellness of shared spaces, while also reducing carbon emissions.

• Acoustics - reduce noise to enhance comfort, concentration or improve sound privacy.

People expect more from their indoor environments than ever before. What does indoor environment mean now amidst the ongoing pandemic/endemic?

Indoor environmental quality remains a primary concern as people return to offices, restaurants, shopping, and travel and entertainment. One important challenge this bill aims to address is improving the indoor air quality of buildings. Air quality is about so much more than how comfortable you feel in a space – though that is undoubtedly important. Improvements may lead to better productivity and overall wellbeing. The quality of the indoor air we breathe impacts our comfort. Better air handling may mean less contagion spread and increased comfort. This sets buildings up to be better prepared to handle any future endemics, pandemics or other major widespread health events.

What are the key elements to understanding the indoor environment?

• Air Quality - Address airborne health risks for more comfortable and cleaner air. • Thermal Comfort - Create a stimulating environment that is also energy efficient. • Lighting - Foster positive, productive spaces that work with the body’s circadian rhythm. I want to focus on indoor air quality specifically. What are the basics and why?

Air quality is vital to our ability to thrive. With assistance from the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE®) and the Federation of European Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Associations (REHVA®) guidelines, Trane recommends a fourpillar approach to improve air quality: • Dilute – Use proper ventilation to ensure plenty of fresh, outdoor air comes into the building to dilute any buildup of contaminants. • Exhaust - Remove exhaust air efficiently – especially from kitchens, restrooms, and combustion systems. • Contain - Keep indoor humidity levels within the ASHRAE recommended ranges to maximize the comfort of the building and remove contaminants at their source. • Clean - Reduce particles, odors or microorganisms, such as mold, bacteria and certain viruses. To understand how your facilities perform in these four key areas, you will need an Indoor Air Quality Assessment. This is a fact-based, comprehensive review of your building with a report of conditions and if needed, recommendations on how

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A MML Member City Example:

The city of Wentzville Law Enforcement Center underwent significant HVAC upgrades in 2018 under an Energy Performance Contract. Since then, the annual environmental impact has been tremendous for this one building: • Reduced annual Co2 emissions totaling: 204 Metric Tons, which is the equivalent of: • 90,525 miles driven by an average passenger vehicle. • 249 acres of carbon sequestered by acres of forest. This equates to 236,555kwH electrical saving /6,805 therms in natural gas annually.

to improve the building’s air quality to meet the latest industry guidelines.

The word “decarbonization” is used a lot. What does it mean for my facility infrastructure?

As sustainability efforts have grown, decarbonization (or decarb) is taking center stage. At its most basic, decarbonization is the removal of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases from a product or process. One of the best ways to achieve decarbonization is through electrification. Electrical grids are also undergoing a decarbonization process as high-emissions fuels are replaced with carbon-free energy sources including solar, wind and other renewables. IIJA funding will accelerate this shift to more renewable grid infrastructure. This shift to reduce the energy intensity of electricity has made it the preferred energy source for emissions-conscious owners.

What are some procurement options for these types of energy efficient/indoor air quality projects to have the best return on investment (ROI) for utilizing funds?

Optimize and simplify your procurement of these complex design build projects by utilizing a qualified Department of Energy, Energy Savings and Performance Contractor (DOE ESPC) with expertise in scoping and executing energy performance contracts. Also consider using an energy performance contract in tandem with special government pricing that has been competitively solicited and satisfies competitive bid requirements. Some commonly used cooperative contracts are as follows: • U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) Multiple Award

Schedule • Omnia Partners® / U.S. Communities • TIPs USA Contract-Interlocal Purchasing System For example, Trane’s entire portfolio of energy-efficient heating, ventilating and air conditioning systems, advanced controls, building, contracting and energy services are included in these partner contracts and as such are purchased factory direct! How do I get started assessing my indoor air quality and overall building efficiency, and how do I know where to focus?

Working with a quality air quality provider, you can create a customized approach to assessing IAQ and building efficiency through one of the following offerings: • IAQ Assessment: A comprehensive, full on-site assessment with visual inspection and physical measurement of air quality indicators. • IAQ Audit: A remote, sensor-enabled assessment using the power of air quality sensors and the capability of

Trane controls. • IAQ Pilot: A before-and-after performance analysis of mitigation options specifically selected to improve the IAQ for your unique space. When completed, you will be provided a detailed assessment report with strategic recommendations to align your building with leading industry guidelines and any local or building certification goals.

Jennifer (Gray) Geen is a senior account manager with Trane. Contact her at Jennifer.Gray@trane.com. © 2022 Trane. All Rights Reserved. *All trademarks referenced are the trademarks of their respective owners.